Help Us Honor Uncle JR's Memory

Valentine James Kealaiki, "JR" was born on February 14, 1943. Husband, father, grandfather and uncle. He was a faithful and God fearing man who loved his church, Jesus Coming Soon, Everyone who knew him, loved him. I am his niece, and he is the kindest man I have ever known. This fundraiser is to help his son, Aaron with funeral expenses as we recently lost Uncle JR on Friday, November 1st.

We were aware that Uncle JR was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He had been struggling with walking and would frequently pass out while at home on Molokai. On October 20th, Uncle JR went to the ER after a fall. He was sent via air ambulance to O'ahu and was at Queen's Medical Center until October 28th at which time, he was transferred to the O'ahu Care Facility.

My cousin, Amy; her husband, Braddah and my Uncle Wayne were all able to visit with him. During this time, he appeared to be doing well. He was able to speak, read his Bible and was happy to hear from the family members who were calling to "talk story". Our 'ohana thought he was improving. Although we knew what his life expectancy would be with the prostate cancer, we didn't expect that we would lose him quickly.

On November 1st, the facility notified Aaron that Uncle JR was fine, then suddenly experienced shortness of breath. He quickly became unconscious and they began performing CPR and called 911. The paramedics came, continued CPR and took him to the Emergency Room at Straub Medical Center. Unfortunately, in less than hour, we lost Uncle JR.

We have completed the necessary meetings to bring Uncle JR home and have started to plan his funeral to give him the send off that he so deserves. He was a man that has always had so much pride and he would never ask for anything. Donating will help his son, Aaron and his grandson, JR along with the 'ohana lay him to rest. It is anticipated that funeral expenses will be approximately $15,000. Uncle did not have life insurance or any funeral plans.

Any help that is provided will go directly to the funeral expenses. We are also hoping that we can use some of the funds to bring his grandchildren and great grandson from Utah home to Molokai. They were unable to make it to Hawai'i prior to his passing. His grandchildren in Utah are: Ikaika, Mokihana, Montana, Harley and Hayden. Kainalu is his great grandson.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.